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Fine Lines & Wrinkles
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Uneven Skin Tone
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Dryness

The Science Behind Sum of All

The AP² Complex

Ingredient Library

Menopause 101
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Beginning Your Menopausal Routine
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A Quick Guide to Perimenopause
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Understanding Menopause and it's Impact on the Skin

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Glycolic Acid

The gold-standard alpha hydroxy acid that accelerates cell turnover and addresses the textural changes brought on by declining oestrogen.


Glycolic acid is the smallest molecule in the AHA family, derived naturally from sugar cane. Its diminutive molecular size allows it to penetrate the skin's surface effectively, dissolving the intercellular bonds that hold dead cells in place and stimulating fresh cell production beneath. The result is smoother, more refined skin with improved clarity and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines.

In the context of menopausal skincare, glycolic acid is particularly compelling. It directly counters the sluggish cellular turnover that accompanies hormonal change, whilst also stimulating glycosaminoglycan and collagen production in the dermis. Used at appropriate concentrations, it can transform the dull, rough-textured skin that many women find deeply frustrating during this life stage.


A Brief History of Glycolic Acid in Skincare

Glycolic acid entered mainstream dermatology in the 1970s when researchers Van Scott and Yu published landmark studies on AHAs and their effects on keratinisation. By the 1990s, glycolic acid had become the most widely used chemical exfoliant in both clinical and at-home skincare, with concentrations ranging from gentle daily-use formulations to professional-grade peels.

Decades of clinical evidence have established glycolic acid as one of the most thoroughly researched and reliably effective skincare actives available. Its ability to improve texture, tone, and firmness continues to make it a foundational ingredient in age-related skincare formulation.


How Glycolic Acid Supports Skin During Menopause

Oestrogen plays a direct role in regulating epidermal turnover, and its decline during menopause can extend the skin's renewal cycle significantly. Glycolic acid compensates by chemically encouraging the shedding of accumulated dead cells and promoting the production of new ones. Beyond surface exfoliation, it stimulates hyaluronic acid synthesis within the dermis, helping to restore the plumpness and hydration that hormonal changes strip away. It also improves the penetration of other active ingredients, making the entire skincare routine more effective.